20 Apr 2017

Despite Simon Mignolet's recent run of good form, Liverpool still (arguably) need to sign another goalkeeper this summer, and according to Prem legend Shaka Hislop, Jurgen Klopp should break the bank to sign one of Serie A's most coveted 'keepers.

Speaking to ESPN this week, Hislop praised Mignolet for his current form, but claimed that he still needs to be replaced:

"Liverpool need a top-class goalkeeper, and if I were in charge, and money was no object, I’d make AC Milan an irresistible offer for Gianluigi Donnarumma".

Hislop is not alone with this view. Last month, Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas told Sky Sports:

"They [Liverpool] need a top goalkeeper [and] AC Milan teenager Gianluigi Donnarumma is one they should be looking at.”

Liverpool were linked with 18-year old Donnaruma a year ago, but in my view, the chances of signing him are slim to none:

* When asked in March about the possibility of a transfer, the £40m-rated stopper told reporters: "I hope to stay at Milan. I want to stay because I am a Milan fan."

* The likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Man Utd, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Man City are all reportedly interested, and in that company, Liverpool are unlikely to prevail.

Right now, Donnarumma is surrounded by friends and family, and has an extensive (and necessary) support network in place. As such, it's arguably a mistake for him to destroy that for a premature move to Liverpool, or indeed any other club. Donnarumma is literally still a kid, so it's better to let him grow up first before making a move.

Bar the usual mercenary reasons, I see no credible argument for Donnarumma to leave Milan. At the age of 18, he is the undisputed number-one goalkeeper at one of Europe's biggest clubs; he plays every week, and is gaining great experience, so why leave?